How does Wade price custom pool projects?

The Short Answer: Free On-Site Estimate, Fully Itemized, No Packages

Wade provides free, fully itemized estimates after an on-site consultation. We do not publish standard package prices because every project is custom — lot conditions, pool size, finish selections, and ancillary work all affect cost in ways that a catalog price cannot capture. Estimates include all permitting fees, excavation, materials, labor, and equipment. There is no obligation and no pressure to commit at the estimate appointment.

Why Wade Doesn’t Publish Package Prices

Some pool contractors offer starting prices like “pools from $65,000” or tiered packages with set features. There are several reasons Wade doesn’t price this way:

• Lot conditions vary enormously: Two identical 16×32 pools on two different lots can cost $20,000–$40,000 apart based solely on soil conditions, access, and grade. A flat lot with sandy loam soil and direct equipment access is a different job than a sloped waterfront lot with rocky substrate and a tight side yard.
• Permitting costs are site-specific: A pool on a standard Anne Arundel County lot has a different permit cost structure than a pool in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, which requires additional review and potentially stormwater management design.
• Ancillary work is highly variable: Whether the project includes a paver deck or concrete, a landscape surround or none, retaining walls, an outdoor kitchen, or other elements changes the total dramatically.
• Package pricing hides real costs: Low headline numbers often exclude permit fees, electrical sub-contractor work, decking beyond a minimal apron, and safety fencing — all of which are required costs that will be added back by the time the project is delivered. Wade prefers to show you the complete number upfront.

What Wade’s Estimate Includes

Every Wade estimate is line-item specific and covers:

• Permitting: Building permit, electrical permit, and any Critical Area or grading permit fees. No “permit allowance” placeholder — actual fees based on your county and project valuation.
• Site preparation and excavation: Includes soil removal, haul-off, and any required grading work. Slope or access issues that add cost are identified at the site visit and reflected in the estimate.
• Pool shell (gunite/shotcrete): Steel reinforcement, plumbing and electrical rough-in, gunite application, and interior finish (plaster, quartz, or pebble — your selection).
• Coping and tile band: Coping material and installation, waterline tile selection and installation.
• Decking: Concrete, pavers, or natural stone — material and square footage specified based on your design.
• Equipment package: Pump, filter, heater or heat pump, automation system, and all related electrical and plumbing. Equipment selections and their costs are itemized separately.
• Safety fence: Material, linear footage, and gate hardware to meet Maryland code.
• Site restoration: Grade restoration and seeding of disturbed areas after construction.
• Optional additions: Integrated spa, water features, outdoor kitchen — each carried as a separate line item so you can see exactly what each element costs and make informed decisions.

The Estimate Process: What to Expect

• Initial call or contact: You reach out to Wade by phone or through the contact form. We gather basic information about your project and schedule a site visit.
• On-site visit (free): Shaun or Wayne visits your property, walks the yard, evaluates site conditions, discusses your vision and budget range, and answers questions. This takes 30–60 minutes.
• Estimate preparation: Based on the site visit and your design brief, Wade prepares a fully itemized written estimate. This typically takes 3–7 business days.
• Estimate review: Wade presents the estimate in person or by video call, walks through each line item, and answers questions. There is no pressure to sign — the estimate is yours to review and compare.
• Design refinement: If you want to adjust the scope (change pool size, swap decking material, add or remove elements), Wade will revise the estimate. There is no charge for estimate revisions.
• Contract: When you’re ready to proceed, Wade prepares a contract based on the finalized estimate. The contract price matches the estimate with no hidden additions.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Estimate Appointment

• Have a realistic sense of your budget range before the visit — this helps Wade design to a number that works, not a number that surprises
• Know your HOA rules if applicable — bring your HOA covenants if you have them
• Identify any features you definitely want (spa, outdoor kitchen, specific deck material) and things you’re uncertain about
• Have your property survey or plot plan available if you have one — it helps verify setbacks and easements
• Be honest about timing — if you want to be swimming by a specific date, say so; Wade will tell you whether it’s achievable given permitting timelines